India Closes Airspace to Pakistani Aircraft Amid Rising Tensions Until May 23

India has closed its airspace to all Pakistani-registered and operated aircraft, including military flights, in response to heightened tensions following a deadly attack in Pahalgam, which India has blamed on Pakistan. This reciprocal move comes after Pakistan similarly barred Indian flights from its airspace, further disrupting international air routes and raising concerns about increased costs and delays. The airspace restrictions, effective until May 23, were announced after India’s top security committee, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, met to review the situation and grant the military a free hand to respond to the attack. Both countries have engaged in exchanges of fire along the Line of Control, with India warning Pakistan over continued ceasefire violations. The United States has called for de-escalation, urging Pakistan to cooperate in investigating the attack while expressing support for India’s counter-extremism efforts. These developments mark a significant escalation in the ongoing dispute, with both sides adopting strong retaliatory measures beyond airspace bans, including diplomatic and border-related actions.